By Andi Anderson
House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson introduced a new proposal titled the Farm Food and National Security Act of 2026. The bill aims to restart progress on the long-delayed Farm Bill, which plays a major role in supporting agriculture, conservation, and rural communities across the United States.
The proposal will be reviewed by the House Agriculture Committee beginning February 23 and could move to a full House vote later this spring.
The Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation for hunters, anglers, farmers, and landowners. Many wildlife habitats are located on private lands, and voluntary conservation programs supported by the Farm Bill help protect these areas.
Grasslands, wetlands, stream buffers, and habitat areas for birds and fish are often maintained through these programs. Healthy working lands directly support hunting and fishing opportunities.
Although funding for some conservation efforts has increased through budget reconciliation in recent years, several key conservation and forestry programs have not been formally updated since 2018.
Delays in renewing the Farm Bill have led to lapses in authority and funding, which have negatively affected habitat protection and public access.
Supporters of the proposal say it is an important step toward modernizing these programs. Conservation groups emphasized that a successful Farm Bill must include strong Conservation and Forestry Titles.
They also noted that bipartisan cooperation will be necessary for the bill to pass in Congress.
Leaders from conservation organizations welcomed the renewed attention to the Farm Bill process and thanked committee members from both parties for working to move the legislation forward. They plan to carefully review the proposal to understand how it may affect habitat protection, land access, and rural communities.
As debate begins, stakeholders will closely monitor the bill’s development. The outcome could shape agricultural policy, wildlife conservation, and rural land management for years to come.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy